Time lost its meaning; they stood, largely forgotten, in the centre of the winners circle. Men crowded about, jostling each other but not touching them. They stood close, so close the small ruffle on Lucindas bodice brushed the long lapel of Harrys coat. He sensed its flutter as her breathing grew more rapid but he was lost in her eyes, in a world of misty blue. He watched them widen, darken. Her lips softened, parted. Her bodice made contact with his coat.
His head had begun its slow descent when sanity awokeand frantically hauled on his reins.
Great heavens! They were in the winners circle at Newmarket!
Shaken to the depths of his soul, Harry dragged in a quick breath. He tore his gaze from her face, from the consternation that was filling her eyes, and the soft blush that had started to tinge her cheeks, and looked about them. No one, thank heaven, had seen.
His heart pounding, he took a firm grip of her elbowand took refuge in action. If youve seen enough of the racing, I should get you back to Emsshell be wondering where you are.
Lucinda noddedthe faintly bored drawl left her no choice. She feltshe didnt know whatshaken, certainly, but regretful, and resentful, too. But she couldnt argue with his wish to be gone from here.
But they still had the gamut of well-wishers to runthey were stopped constantly, more than one gentleman wishing to make an offer for the mare.
Harry faced the hurdles with what patience he could, conscious that all he wished to do was escape. With her. But that was impossibleshe was his danger, his Waterloo.
From now on, every time he looked into her face would be like looking down the barrel of a loaded gun. A weapon that could land him in painful slavery.
If he was wise, he wouldnt look too frequently.
Lucinda sensed his withdrawal although he cloaked it well. His urbane charm came to the forebut he would not meet her eyes, her puzzled glances.
They finally escaped the crowds and walked back, in silence, to the stables. He lifted her to his curricle and swung up beside her, his expression closed.
He drove back to Hallows Hall without a word, his apparent concentration on his horses a wall Lucinda made no attempt to breach.
But when he drew up before the steps and secured the reins, then came around and lifted her down, she held her position in front of him even though his hands fell immediately from her. Thank you for a mostinstructive morning, Mr Lester.